Clothes dryers

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What's behind our clothes dryer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 297 models in clothes dryers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score

This score is based primarily on drying performance, drum volume and noise. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.

Drying performance

This score combines performance on three types of laundry loads of different sizes and fabric mixes: A 12-lb. load, predominantly cotton, representing a family's large weekly load; an 8-lb. load of cotton/polyester blend clothing; and a 3-lb. load of synthetic delicates, women's pajamas, nightgowns, bras and underwear.

Capacity

Among the models we tested, drum volume varied from about 6 to 8.0 cu. ft.

Convenience

For this measurement, we judged controls and ergonomics, such as ease of loading and unloading, servicing the lint filter, whether the door could clear a tall basket, and whether the machine has a raised edge to contain spills.

Noise

This score was determined by a panel of judges who listened while machines dried an 8-pound load, measuring both sound quality and volume.

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Recommended clothes dryers

Recommended clothes dryers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Most electric dryers Consumer Reports tested get the job done, but some don't. They tend to overdry fabrics, taking especially long to dry clothes. That's tough on fabrics and your utility bill. Today's dryers have larger capacities to keep up with increasing washer capacities. Features have been added, but the moisture sensor remains the most important. It automatically stops the dryer when the laundry is dry. Consumer Reports provides unbiased Ratings and dryer reviews to help you choose the best dryer for your needs and budget. Use our buying guide to learn which features matter most.

Ratings & recommended clothes dryers

Electric dryers (152)

Recommended dryers are the top scoring and do not have brand reliability issues based on our survey of thousands of readers. Electric dryers are the top sellers and we test drying performance, capacity, noise, and convenience. We note features such as electronic controls and steam options. Our compare-model tool lets you do just that. Consumer Reports gives you honest buying advice you can trust and provides unbiased Ratings and dryer reviews to help you choose the best dryer for your needs and budget. Use our buying guide to learn which features matter most.Recommended electric dryersElectric dryer Ratings

Gas dryers (145)

Gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Since electric dryers are the popular choice, we no longer test gas dryers. The gas dryers in our Ratings are similar to the tested electric dryers. Recommended dryers are the top scoring and do not have brand reliability issues based on our survey of thousands of readers. Note that gas dryers cost about $50 to $150 more than comparable electric dryers, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run.Recommended gas dryersGas dryer Ratings

Clothes dryer buying guide

Most of the dryers Consumer Reports tested get the job done, but some don't. They tend to overdry, taking especially long to dry clothes. Capacities keep increasing to keep up with larger washer capacities, and features have been added, but the moisture sensor remains the most important. It automatically stops the dryer when the laundry is dry.